London celebrates 100 million school lunches

London reached a landmark achievement in its commitment to children’s wellbeing, with more than 100 million free school meals delivered to pupils in state-funded primary schools since the launch of the Mayor’s universal meals programme in 2023. The initiative, funded by Mayor Sadiq Khan, has meant every primary school child in the capital's state funded schools had access to 435 healthy lunches over just over two years, offering crucial support to families and ensuring children have the nutrition they need to learn and thrive. The offer is worth up to £500 per child per year in savings for families, offering vital financial relief during a continued cost of living crisis.

The milestone comes as the expansion of free school meals across England gathers pace. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, together with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, visited Welland Academy in Peterborough to highlight the national expansion of free school meals to all children in families in England receiving Universal Credit or equivalent benefits from September 2026.

Children's Food Campaign Officer, Naema Jannath responds to the positive news:

"We’re delighted to see such positive progress. London’s 100 million free school meals and the national expansion promised for September 2026 will help ensure more children are nourished, supported and able to reach their full potential. This takes us an important milestone towards our long term vision of universal healthy and nutritious school meals for all."

London’s experience has demonstrated the broad benefits of universal provision. Schools across the capital have reported improvements in pupils’ concentration, behaviour and attendance, while children are enjoying more balanced and nutritious meals. The programme has also helped strengthen school communities by reducing stigma and ensuring no child is excluded from healthy food at school.

Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said:

“These healthy meals ensure children do not go hungry at school, enable them to learn effectively, and provide families with crucial financial relief. Reaching 100 million meals is a remarkable achievement, and I am committed to maintaining free school meals for as long as I am Mayor.”

The national expansion is expected to benefit around 500,000 children across England and lift an estimated 100,000 out of poverty, with families saving up to £500 per child each year. The government has committed £1 billion to fund the change until 2029, alongside expanding access to free breakfast clubs in dozens of schools.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke about the power of free school meals to improve children’s outcomes, saying:

“It’s not just a meal. It’s also an opportunity, because children with a decent meal inside them will learn better. So this is about driving down on child poverty.”

“No child should go to school hungry or miss out on opportunities because their parents are struggling. Making sure every child gets a good meal at school isn’t just about putting food on the table – it’s about giving them the best chance to learn, grow and thrive.”

As London celebrates 100 million meals delivered, and as eligibility starts to expand nationally, there is a growing consensus that saying yes to school food for all, and investing in school meals is essential to promoting learning, reducing inequality and supporting long-term wellbeing.